HF 617

High Phosphorus Diet

Phosphorus is a mineral found in many foods. It is used by every cell in the body. Phosphorus plays important roles in many body functions, such as:

  • The storage and use of energy by the body.

  • The growth, maintenance, and repair of tissues and cells.

Phosphorus in Your Diet

Many conditions can cause low phosphorus levels.

  • Low vitamin D levels

  • Medicines which keep the body from absorbing phosphorus or cause the body to get rid of phosphorus.

  • Water pills

  • Problems with parathyroid glands

  • Poor nutrition/malnutrition

  • Vomiting or diarrhea

  • Excessive alcohol intake or alcohol abuse

  • Kidney transplant patients often have levels of phosphorus which are too low.

Some signs of low blood phosphorus levels:

  • Weakness

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Confusion

  • Irritability

Increasing Phosphorus Levels

Phosphorus supplements can be ordered to help increase low blood levels of phosphorus. Eating foods that contain higher amounts of phosphorus can also help increase blood phosphorus levels. Patients on phosphorus binders could consider stopping these as well (if OK with their doctor)

Foods Higher in Phosphorus

Meats and Protein Foods

  • Beef

  • Pork

  • Fish (pollock, walleye, swordfish, cod, halibut, salmon, tuna)

  • Shrimp

  • Chicken or turkey

  • Tofu

Milk and Dairy Products

  • White and chocolate milk

  • Cheese

  • Yogurt

  • Ice cream

  • Custard

  • Pudding

  • Cream soup

  • Cheese and milk casseroles

  • Some brands of soy milk, and eggnog, ricotta, or cottage cheese

Beans/Legumes

  • Navy

  • Kidney

  • Pinto

  • Lima beans

  • Soybeans

  • Lentils

  • Black-eyed peas

  • Hummus

Grains

  • Bran, bran products

  • Wheat germ

  • Oatmeal

  • Granola

Nuts and Seeds

  • Nuts (including soybean nuts)

  • Peanut butter, nut butters

  • Sunflower and pumpkin seeds

Other

  • Chocolate

  • Caramel

  • Molasses

  • Hot cocoa

  • Baked potato with skin

  • Waffle or pancake

  • Biscuits

  • Dark sodas (except for root beer)

Who to Call

If you are a UW Health patient and have more questions, please contact UW Health at one of the phone numbers listed below.

Nutrition clinics for UW Hospital and Clinics (UWHC) and American Family Children’s Hospital (AFCH)
(608) 890-5500

Nutrition clinics for UW Medical Foundation (UWMF)
(608) 287-2770

You can also visit our website at: www.uwhealth.org/nutrition.